What's eating my rabiea albinota?

Rabiea albinota (a clump-forming South African mesemb with warty leaves) is most threatened by mealybugs, which shelter between its rosette leaves. Root mealybugs can be severe given its preference for very dry soil. Spider mites appear under heated indoor conditions. Its textured leaf surface can camouflage early infestations.

White woolly deposits hidden between warty leaf surfaces or at the crown; plant weakens and leaves collapse Use a fine brush or cotton swab with 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow up with neem oil spray; repeat weekly

Plant looks drought-stressed despite correct watering; white powder or wax coating visible on roots when unpotted Remove all soil, rinse roots, treat with a systemic insecticide drench, repot in sterile fresh gritty mix

Stippled or silvery leaf patches with fine webbing; worse in winter with low humidity and central heating Increase air movement; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil solution; wipe accessible leaf surfaces with a damp cloth